Chetumal: Introduction

251km (156 miles) S of Tulum; 37km (23 miles) S of Lago Bacalar

Capital of the state, and the second-largest city (after Cancɐn), Chetumal (pop. 210,000) is not a tourist destination. The old part of town, down by the river (Rȷo Hondo), has a Caribbean feel, but the rest is unremarkable. Chetumal is the gateway to Belize, Tikal, and the Rȷo Bec ruins. If you're going to spend the night here, visit the Museo de la Cultura Maya (tel. 983/832-6838), especially if you plan to follow the Rȷo Bec ruin route.